Flextend Week 5

Incase you stumbled onto this page by accident, this is a follow-up of my Flextend Week 1 post. I'm just finishing my 5th week of the Flextend program. Flextend is designed to treat and prevent RSI, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and similar afflictions (more about how in my week 1 post).

So far, my hands seem to be a little better. They still hurt if I do too much at the keyboard during the day, but I've been able to go for longer most days before experiencing discomfort. Unfortunately, due to that nasty work necessity, I can't take a lot of time off to give them a real break. I'm about to head off for Mexico sans computer for a week, though, so maybe that will give my hands a little extra rest.

Here is the routine I'm doing this week in case you're interested:

6 sets/ 12-20 reps. 2x daily, 5-6 days/wk

1 set: Palm-Up Elbow Moving
2 sets: Pronation
2 sets: Supination
1 set: Palm-Up Elbow Moving

The routines start easier with fewer exercises, then ultimately progress to 6 days a week 2x day 8 sets of exercises. It takes me about 10-15 minutes twice a day to do the routine I'm doing plus a few stretches, but it's not a big deal. I usually just throw on the tv or something while I'm doing them. If it makes my hand problems go away, I'll happily do the exercises forever.

Jeff, the Flextend Clinician I've been working with via email, has been great about answering all my questions and offering suggestions on stretching and how to use Flextend in conjunction with my regular exercise program. I actually went through the Flextend program about a year ago and gave up because I wasn't seeing results, but I didn't realize then that they had people on staff to help ensure you're doing everything right. (I was actually doing the program for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome sufferers when I should have been doing the RSI one; at the time, I don't think I realized the difference).

I'm tentatively optimistic about my results thus far. I've had RSI trouble for over a year, so I am not expecting any overnight cures. I will keep you all updated.